DBIDS Card Question

caseman

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Jan 24, 2018
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When applying for the DBIDS card, do both parents need to apply? If one parent has the card, can the other parent have access to the yard as well? I thought the card was basically used for parking privileges and allowed you to drive on. Does it make entrance through any gate when just walking in any easier (I thought you just needed a compliant state ID / drivers license)?
 
I would advise both parents to apply. Yes it makes things easier. This is one thing we would do differently if we had to do it all over again. A seasoned parent had told us it’s not important to have (as we aren’t from town so wouldn’t be ‘driving on the yard’) so we avoided that waiting to process one during Iday and parents weekend.

Turns out, without it, we have been turned away at Gate 1 after sunset (which is early during winter). As pedestrians. Twice. We flew across the country to see our Plebe and would have to say goodby before 6pm. Meanwhile, consistently throughout the year, drivers with DBIS had simply driven on the yard through Gate 8, nary an issue. Hung out with their plebes until later. Not sure what the discrepancy is all about, but it was sad for us. And our Mid.

Currently we are each trying to obtain one, which means we have to arrive during their open hours on a visit....hasn’t happened yet.

The other thing, is there is a very real chance over the four years that mom or dad will make separate trips. I have made good friends, and have done “mom trips” without the hubby.
 
+1 to @justdoit19. Be ready for any scenario, as it makes life much easier. I visited the Yard with midsib but without DW in December. DW visited without me in February. I’m visiting without DW in two weeks. Even back during I-Day and PPW, each of us had to enter without the other. Being able to drive in or walk in without any hassle is truly one of the great perks of mid parenthood.
 
Yes. Both.

I took a Plebe (and all his stuff) to Gate 1 at the end of this last academic year , because his Mom was picking him up, but didn't have an ID (The Plebe's Dad usually drove onto the Yard with his Military ID, and Mom wasn't with him this time).

That Plebe was exceedingly glad that he didn't have to take several trips to Gate 1 and back, with Rubbermaid totes in hand. ;)
 
My wife and I will both be getting a separate ID, for the reasons mentioned above. We decided to mail in our paperwork. The USNA website states that it only takes 10-15 mins to process the actual card if they already have the paperwork. We would rather not stand in a long line on I-Day, and will take care of the ID card on our first visit afterwards. We figure I-day will busy and stressful enough!
 
My wife and I will both be getting a separate ID, for the reasons mentioned above. We decided to mail in our paperwork. The USNA website states that it only takes 10-15 mins to process the actual card if they already have the paperwork. We would rather not stand in a long line on I-Day, and will take care of the ID card on our first visit afterwards. We figure I-day will busy and stressful enough!

If you arrive early, that’s one thing you can get taken care of before there are lines. Right before you hit the visitors center gift shop, and Mid Store before they get busy. Getting the class stuff before it’s gone. And getting the NFCU all set up if you haven’t done that yet. We did those things early Tuesday. No lines!
 
Does anyone know if these Ids are helpful other than USNA? we will be picking up our Mid from his summer cruise and I'm wondering if these id's are needed or useful on base in GA.
 
My wife and I will both be getting a separate ID, for the reasons mentioned above. We decided to mail in our paperwork. The USNA website states that it only takes 10-15 mins to process the actual card if they already have the paperwork. We would rather not stand in a long line on I-Day, and will take care of the ID card on our first visit afterwards. We figure I-day will busy and stressful enough!
They have been known to lose the mailed in paperwork -be prepared with copies. will speed up wait time. I day and PPW will be crazy but the days before or after a little calmer so if you you are arriving a day earlier or staying a day later take care of the Dibs then and get a card for each parent then
 
Does anyone know if these Ids are helpful other than USNA? we will be picking up our Mid from his summer cruise and I'm wondering if these id's are needed or useful on base in GA.
These are USNA specific. However, you can contact the Pass and ID office at the base in GA and ask them about visitor access. Most bases use the same form, but each access request is specific to that base. For example, when our son was at NAPS, parents had to fill out the form for Naval Station Newport to be put on the cleared list, but that did not transfer to USNA.
 
Definitely get one sooner than later. Both parents should apply. We waited to get one until after plebe year. We had traveled to the academy many times that year for varsity sports and visits and where we stayed and what time we visited always centered around parking. We wish we would have just gotten the card through the mail or over induction. I highly recommend it.
 
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